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The NFL playoffs are down to only 4 groups, which suggests the 28 others are giving a tough take a look at their rosters and planning to make some selections relating to free brokers in 2022.
It could seem to be the common season simply completed, however we’re a mere month and alter away from March 16 — the opening of free-agency season.
Between every now and then, franchises should resolve how completely different, or comparable, their rosters will look in 2022. Will Inexperienced Bay have a rebuild on its palms? How will the Dallas Cowboys signal all their free brokers amid cap stress? Will somebody new be at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos?
To get an early take a look at the market, we requested our NFL Nation reporters for the most important looming free-agent determination on each workforce. Will playmakers Odell Beckham Jr., Jadeveon Clowney and Mike Williams return to their respective groups? Can Chandler Jones, Davante Adams and Dalton Schultz discover higher presents available on the market? Right here is the place every workforce stands as of right now.
Let’s begin by trying on the NFC East.
Bounce to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
NFC EAST
Free agent: TE Dalton Schultz
Schultz had 78 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021 after placing up 63 for 615 and 4 in 2020. He has developed right into a extremely reliable choice for Dak Prescott, however will he be out of the Cowboys’ value level? Have a look at the contracts Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith acquired from New England; Schultz may get that a lot on the open market. Would the Cowboys have the kind of room to maintain him? Possibly. The franchise tag might be an choice as nicely, however that may be earmarked for Randy Gregory. — Todd Archer
Free agent: OLB Lorenzo Carter
The Giants want so as to add pass-rushers this offseason, not lose any helpful gamers on the place. Carter proved to be efficient by ending this season with 5 sacks within the final 4 weeks — after not attending to the quarterback the primary 14 weeks. His destiny doubtless lies in what system new normal supervisor Joe Schoen and the subsequent coach plan to run. If he matches, Carter may return on a one-year prove-it deal, until one other workforce is prepared to take the danger on a long-term contract based mostly on a handful of video games. — Jordan Raanan
Free agent: S Rodney McLeod
McLeod returned from ACL rehab in Week 4 and completed the season on a excessive be aware, posting key interceptions in back-to-back video games to assist the Eagles safe a playoff berth. McLeod, a workforce chief, shall be 32 subsequent season and has dealt along with his share of accidents of late. However with security Anthony Harris and cornerback Steven Nelson additionally projected to be free brokers, it is value making an attempt to get McLeod again on an inexpensive one-year deal within the curiosity of back-end stability. — Tim McManus
Free agent: G Brandon Scherff
The five-time Professional Bowl guard has performed on the franchise tag the previous two seasons. Washington GM Martin Mayhew confirmed that final offseason the workforce provided him a deal that will have made him the NFL’s highest-paid guard. It is unsure the way it was structured, however regardless it didn’t get the 2 sides nearer to an settlement. Scherff is an elite guard, however the issue comes with well being — he has not performed greater than 13 video games in a season since 2017 and has missed a mixed 24 video games the previous 5 seasons. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Free agent: DT Akiem Hicks
The good run-stopper may be a luxurious the Bears cannot afford. There is not any doubt their protection appears to be like completely different when he’s within the recreation, however the issue has been an excessive amount of time missed due to harm over the previous few seasons. Mixed with the sum of money the Bears have dedicated to their entrance seven — among the many most within the league — Hicks may find yourself with a brand new handle in 2022. The workforce has to construct round quarterback Justin Fields and the financial savings on Hicks may present an avenue to assist in that aim. — Jesse Rogers
Free agent: OLB Charles Harris
After a 3-13-1 end, the Lions definitely do not have many must-keep gamers on the roster, however Harris is among the guys they need to re-sign. Underneath a brand new teaching workers, in a brand new state of affairs, Harris loved his greatest season as a professional with a career-best 65 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and seven.5 sacks. Detroit wants as a lot depth as doable, and he is already comfy within the place, so it will make sense to carry him again. — Eric Woodyard
Free agent: WR Davante Adams
Adams desires to be the highest-paid receiver within the league, however he absolutely additionally wish to proceed taking part in with Aaron Rodgers. There needs to be a cause — past simply the cash — that Adams did not signal an extension throughout the season. That cause might be Rodgers. If Rodgers decides he desires to play elsewhere subsequent season, then maybe the Packers’ solely choice to retain Adams shall be to make use of the franchise tag. — Rob Demovsky
Free agent: CB Patrick Peterson
The Vikings will once more be tasked with retooling their secondary within the offseason. Peterson got here to Minnesota as a free agent on a one-year deal and was probably the most skilled, put-together nook the Vikings fielded in 2021. Although he expressed a want to stay in Minnesota, Peterson will quickly be 32. The workforce can’t afford to pay him a contract that ensures $8 million, nor ought to they for a cornerback nearing the ultimate years of his profession. If he is prepared to remain for much less, the Vikings ought to contemplate re-signing him whereas additionally eyeing a cornerback with their first-round choose. His steering paid dividends in serving to younger defensive backs develop final season and could be a profit for a protection that is about to bear a significant transition with a brand new teaching workers. — Courtney Cronin
NFC SOUTH
Free agent: LB Foyesade Oluokun
Oluokun was a power for Atlanta this season. He led the NFL in tackles (192), had a career-high three interceptions and have become a frontrunner of Atlanta’s protection. Falcons coach Arthur Smith known as Oluokun an “ascending participant,” and normal supervisor Terry Fontenot made it clear he wish to retain a few of the Falcons’ free brokers, regardless of their salary-cap constraints. Oluokun, for his half, mentioned he wish to return, but it surely’s doable a workforce covets him extremely. It is too quickly to inform what is going to shake out right here, however there seems to be curiosity from each Atlanta and Oluokun to proceed working collectively. — Michael Rothstein
Free agent: Edge Haason Reddick
The workforce’s sack chief (11) signed a one-year prove-it deal as a result of there have been those that doubted the 12.5 sacks he had at Arizona in 2020 could be the norm. He has proved to be an asset on and off the sphere. The query is: Do the Panthers put money into Reddick, higher fitted to a 3-4 scheme, or in getting greater on the sting to play extra 4-3? Defensive coordinator Phil Snow wish to get greater up entrance, so that might lower Reddick’s worth. The market value doubtless will resolve this one. — David Newton
Free agent: QB Jameis Winston
Quarterback is by far the Saints’ prime precedence in terms of personnel selections. All choices must be on the desk, together with a blockbuster commerce or the draft. However Winston might need the perfect mixture of affordability and upside if the Saints be ok with his restoration from a torn ACL. He went 4-2 within the six video games he accomplished in 2021 and completed with a TD-INT ratio of 14-3. — Mike Triplett
Free agent: G Alex Cappa
Since quarterback Tom Brady is not technically a free agent — and the choice to retire rests solely with him — we will not select him. However little doubt, he is the glue that can hold this roster collectively. After Brady, the Bucs have 23 gamers set to turn into unrestricted free brokers, and coach Bruce Arians mentioned Monday that the workforce will prioritize its personal free brokers in March. I do not suppose there’s any manner they let huge receiver Chris Godwin out of the constructing, even coming off a torn ACL. Heart Ryan Jensen additionally had arguably his greatest season, as did security Jordan Whitehead. Carlton Davis stays their greatest cornerback. Additionally they want to contemplate the returns of Rob Gronkowski and Leonard Fournette. So the place does that depart the beginning proper guard, Cappa, when there’s solely a lot cash to go round with their projected cap area at present beneath $15 million? — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Free agent: OLB Chandler Jones
Jones continues to ascertain himself as among the finest pass-rushers within the NFL, however there is a distinct chance he performs for one more workforce in 2022. He needed an extension earlier than this season, and when he did not get that, he requested for a commerce and did not get that both. He performed for $15.5 million in 2021 and recorded 10.5 sacks — marking the sixth time previously seven seasons he had a double-digit whole. It is doubtless he does not get the kind of contract he desires from the Cardinals and assessments the free-agency waters earlier than deciding whether or not to return or, extra doubtless, signal elsewhere. — Josh Weinfuss
Free agent: WR Odell Beckham Jr.
The Rams signed receiver Beckham and traded for out of doors linebacker Von Miller in November as half-season leases to make a Tremendous Bowl run. Now each are pending unrestricted free brokers and the Rams should decide whether or not there’s area on the roster and within the finances for them to return. Beckham has revived his once-stellar profession in L.A., catching 27 passes for 305 yards and 5 touchdowns in seven regular-season begins, whereas Miller has 5 sacks and a compelled fumble in eight begins. Due to salary-cap restraints, it’s unlikely each will be capable of return, however look ahead to the Rams to discover a technique to hold a minimum of considered one of them round. — Lindsey Thiry
Free agent: G Laken Tomlinson
Tomlinson has quietly been one of many Niners’ most constant and dependable gamers for just a few seasons now and kinds a dynamic mixture with deal with Trent Williams on the left facet. Tomlinson is because of money in on a deal that ought to exceed the $5.5 million common annual worth of his final contract, in all probability by loads. After the Niners gave Williams a record-setting deal final offseason and with proper deal with Mike McGlinchey due for an extension quickly, will the Niners need to make one other vital funding on the road? That would rely upon how far alongside 2021 second-round choose Aaron Banks is in his improvement. — Nick Wagoner
Free agent: S Quandre Diggs
The Seahawks didn’t need to lengthen Diggs final offseason, presumably partially as a result of they gave a record-setting deal to their different primary security, Jamal Adams. However Diggs was arguably their workforce MVP in 2021. He led the Seahawks with 5 interceptions and was as huge a cause as any why they had been among the many greatest defenses within the NFL in limiting explosive passing performs. The query is whether or not they’ll gamble and let him hit free company, the place his market might be tempered by his damaged proper leg from Week 18, or lock him up beforehand. The franchise tag, at a projected value of round $13 million, appears doable. — Brady Henderson
AFC EAST
Free agent: CB Levi Wallace
After dropping cornerback Tre’Davious White for the season with a torn ACL, the Payments wanted Wallace to step up as their prime nook. He performed nicely in that function, and the Payments could be smart to carry him again after his efforts. They lack depth at nook and will use quite a lot of stable defensive backs on the roster. Re-signing him, nonetheless, will not be a assure given the workforce’s cap state of affairs and his function on the roster. He could also be on a path to getting more cash for an even bigger function elsewhere. — Alaina Getzenberg
Free agent: DE Emmanuel Ogbah
Miami will hold Ogbah, who has 18 sacks in his previous two seasons and is a crucial part of its go rush. He signed a two-year, $15 million cope with Miami in 2020 and is prone to get a pay improve along with his subsequent deal — which Spotrac estimates shall be across the three-year, $30 million vary. With roughly $70 million in cap area, it is a transfer the Dolphins can afford earlier than specializing in the opposite facet of the ball. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Free agent: CB J.C. Jackson
A deal doubtless will not be low cost, however Jackson appears to have an affinity for New England, so if it is shut to a different supply, the tiebreaker seemingly goes to the workforce that originally gave him an opportunity as an undrafted free agent in 2018. However one issue to contemplate is how Jackson’s poor playoff efficiency in opposition to the Payments — as a part of an entire defensive dud — alters the workforce’s analysis of the fifth-year professional. — Mike Reiss
Free agent: WR/KR Braxton Berrios
The Jets actually need to re-sign Berrios, a hardworking soccer devotee who had a robust end (4 touchdowns within the ultimate three video games) that endeared him to the fan base. Not solely did he make first-team All-Professional as a kick returner, however Berrios proved to be a reliable slot receiver with the flexibility to run jet sweeps. The query is whether or not the Jets are prepared to pay him as a full-time participant on offense. In the event that they see him as only a part-time gadget participant, he in all probability will hit the open market. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
Free agent: C Bradley Bozeman
Bozeman has been a reliable starter for the previous three seasons, taking part in left guard earlier than transferring to heart. The perimeters have not been shut on a brand new deal, and Bozeman not too long ago mentioned he does not know whether or not he has performed his final recreation in Baltimore. The Ravens not too long ago re-signed Patrick Mekari, who began at proper deal with this season however may show to be a fallback choice at heart if Bozeman does not return. Baltimore additionally has Trystan Colon, who has crammed in at heart over the previous two seasons. — Jamison Hensley
Free agent: S Jessie Bates III
Even earlier than the beginning of the season, Bates was trending towards a franchise-tag designation for 2022. Cincinnati opted to not give Bates the long-term deal he was on the lookout for earlier than this season began. A franchise tag provides him one yr of a robust wage. Then we’ll see how prepared either side shall be to barter when 2023 rolls round. — Ben Child
1:27
Adam Schefter particulars how lengthy it can take Tom Brady to decide about his future within the NFL after this season ends.
Free agent: DE Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney proved to be a terrific complement to Myles Garrett dashing the passer from the opposite facet. After a banner season, Clowney is probably going going to ask for greater than only a one-year deal this time round. However even when it prices them, the Browns could be smart to maintain the Clowney/Garrett pairing collectively transferring ahead. — Jake Trotter
Free agent: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
For the second season in a row, Smith-Schuster will doubtless return to Pittsburgh, the workforce that drafted him in 2017. This appeared unbelievable even a yr in the past, however the Steelers discovered a technique to carry him again on a one-year deal for 2021. They usually have much more cap area in 2022. As soon as Smith-Schuster went down in Week 5 with a major shoulder harm, it was apparent how a lot the Steelers missed his physicality and vitality. Smith-Schuster will undoubtedly regulate the quarterback state of affairs, however do not be stunned if he is again in a Steelers uniform subsequent season. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Free agent: S Justin Reid
Reid, a third-round choose within the 2018 draft, is among the greatest gamers on the Texans’ protection — however he’s not anticipated to re-sign in Houston. Reid will command greater than what the rebuilding Texans will need to pay on the open market. He was suspended for one recreation this season for violating workforce guidelines after he challenged David Culley’s teaching in a workforce assembly. — Sarah Barshop
Free agent: WR T.Y. Hilton
Hilton is considered one of normal supervisor Chris Ballard’s favourite gamers. However the receiver has made it no secret that he’s eager about retiring after 10 seasons within the NFL. Hilton, who has missed 16 video games over the previous 4 seasons, is coming off a down yr statistically with 23 receptions for 331 yards. The problem the Colts face is that they lack depth at receiver past Michael Pittman Jr. That is why the potential for re-signing Hilton is a precedence. That is if Hilton desires to play one other season. — Mike Wells
Free agent: LT Cam Robinson
The Jaguars have many selections to make alongside the offensive line, and so they begin with Robinson, who performed the 2021 season on the franchise tag. He performed nicely sufficient for the Jaguars to contemplate signing him to a brand new contract, however additionally they may use the franchise tag once more at roughly $17 million.
Rookie Walker Little was stable within the ultimate two video games of the season with Robinson out. However was that sufficient proof that he may slide in and be the starter in 2022 and past? In all probability not. Plus, the Jaguars have a significant situation at proper deal with with Jawaan Taylor, who has actually struggled the previous two seasons (17 penalties, tied for the NFL lead). Bringing Robinson again and transferring Little to proper deal with makes numerous sense. — Michael DiRocco
Free agent: OLB Harold Landry III
Landry’s 12 sacks on the season marked the primary time a Titans pass-rusher completed with a double-digit whole since Brian Orakpo had 10.5 in 2016. Tennessee merely cannot permit a pass-rusher it developed to depart through free company after the numerous swings and misses it has had in free company and the draft. The Titans will discover a technique to re-sign Landry, however it can come at a excessive value as a result of his place holds a four-year, $70 million market worth. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Free agent: QB Teddy Bridgewater
The Broncos have a number of outstanding gamers poised without spending a dime company, guys like RB Melvin Gordon III, S Kareem Jackson, CB Bryce Callahan, LB Alexander Johnson and LB Josey Jewell. However Bridgewater is a part of the workforce’s greatest offseason determination: what occurs at quarterback. Drew Lock is underneath contract for the 2022 season, however as soon as the Broncos’ new teaching workers is in place, a call must be made. With restricted choices in free company and the draft, particularly for a direct improve, the Broncos have to attempt to make a blockbuster commerce or they will should resolve whether or not Bridgewater is a part of the stopgap technique for a minimum of yet another season. — Jeff Legwold
Free agent: S Tyrann Mathieu
Kansas Metropolis desires to retain the nine-year veteran, and he wish to end his profession with the workforce, so ultimately the edges will attain an settlement. The Chiefs don’t have any affordable manner of changing all that Mathieu brings, each as a participant and a frontrunner within the locker room. He’s too beneficial in each areas for the Chiefs to let him go. — Adam Teicher
Free agent: QB Marcus Mariota
Sure, an underused backup quarterback whose best talent set is in an space that is an Achilles’ heel for the Raiders — purple zone effectivity — is the most important looming free-agent determination. As a result of with so many dominoes nonetheless to fall with the Raiders — from a brand new normal supervisor to doubtlessly a brand new coach — starter Derek Carr’s standing additionally bears watching. And if Las Vegas had been to carry again Mariota, it will doubtless not be as a backup once more. — Paul Gutierrez
Free agent: WR Mike Williams
Williams is coming off his best NFL season, as he put up a team-high 76 catches for 1,146 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has nice chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert. At age 27, Williams could be coveted within the offseason free-agent market, and it may be robust for the Chargers to maintain him. If it comes all the way down to it, a franchise tag may value greater than $18 million for yet another yr of the Herbert-to-Williams connection. — Shelley Smith